Response 312637177

Elected representatives

6.
Members of Parliament are elected to represent local people’s interests in the House of Commons. How can the internet and social media help with this?

Comment:

They can't really as computers just double the amount of bureaucracy and words that fly around without being matched by deeds

7.
Does social media enhance the local link for MPs, or undermine it by involving them in more national and international discussions?

Comment:

My MP doesn't answer emails and letters at all. I think he knows I won't be bought off with a standard reply.

8.
Use of interactive technology is increasing. Is this likely to increase pressure for more direct democracy, such as crowd-sourcing, referendums and citizens’ initiatives?

Comment:

What is "more direct democracy" ? Anything that passes for the people being listened to more is surely a good thing or we may as well go live somewhere else (interesting standpoint of Tories on EHCR legislation) - the fact that this term exists is a tacit admission that what we currently have isn't democracy.

9.
What will democracy look like in 15 – 20 years?

Comment:

In the UK ? A police state. Standard rotation of Tories and Labour every two terms isn't democracy. Politicians are against AV as they know they would be out of a job.

Information about politics

10.
Most people still get most of their news from television, although this seems to be changing in favour of online information. Traditional news organisations are also changing. What impact will this have on elections and democracy in general?

Comment:

All our media in the UK is dominated by Tory or Tory controlled interests. I haven't bought my tinfoil hat yet, but as I speak five languages, the spin on the news by other news organisations around the world is hugely different to the news broadcast here.

11.
How can online provision of information about elections be improved, including details of where to vote, how to vote and the results?

Comment:

More targeted "opt in" advertising. I don't want to see David Cameron on my Facebook timeline.

Political campaigning

12.
Can we expect continuous election campaigning through digital channels – what would citizens feel about that and would it undermine or strengthen representative democracy?

Comment:

Richard Bacon lives in a safe seat so cannot be bothered to door knock. I still wouldn't vote for him if he was on my PC. There is an off switch. Forcing party politics on people only heightens their apathy.